Aircond Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your AC Running Efficiently

Aircond Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your AC Running Efficiently

We see it every day in Kuala Lumpur: a 5-year-old air conditioner that looks and runs like it’s 15 years old. Regular maintenance is the difference between a unit that lasts over a decade and one that fails just when the heatwave hits. It’s also the dividing line between affordable cooling and a TNB bill that shocks you at the end of the month.

You know how frustrating it is when your AC blows air that just isn’t cold enough? We have found that most of these performance issues aren’t actually breakdowns—they are simply cries for help from a dirty system. From what we’ve seen, catching these small issues early is the key to avoiding the dreaded compressor failure.

Let’s look at the data, what your AC is actually trying to tell you, and then explore a practical aircond maintenance checklist to keep your home cool and your wallet happy.

DIY Maintenance Checklist

These tasks require no technical skills, just a few minutes of your weekend. We recommend doing them regularly to keep your unit running at peak efficiency.

✅ Clean Air Filters (Every 2-4 Weeks)

Why: Dirty filters are the number one cause of system strain in Malaysia due to our high dust levels. They restrict airflow, forcing your compressor to work harder and driving up your electricity bill.

How:

1. Turn off the AC at the wall switch.
2. Open the front panel carefully.
3. Remove the filter(s) gently to avoid shaking dust loose.
4. Wash with water and mild soap; a shower head works great for this.
5. Let them dry completely to prevent mold growth.
6. Replace the filters and close the panel securely.

Pro tip: During haze season, we suggest checking your filters every two weeks instead of four. The fine particulate matter clogs filters much faster than regular dust.

✅ Wipe the Unit Exterior (Monthly)

Why: Dust on the unit eventually migrates inside, feeding the mold that grows in our humid climate.

How:

• Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the casing.
• Wipe the visible vents, but be gentle with the louvers.
• Don’t spray water directly on the electronic display or sensors.

✅ Check the Remote Batteries (As Needed)

Why: Weak batteries often cause “ghost” issues where the unit doesn’t respond or settings change unpredictably.

How:

• Replace them every 6-12 months before they leak acid.
• Remove batteries if you plan to leave the AC unused for more than a month.

✅ Clear Around Outdoor Unit (Monthly)

Why: The outdoor unit (compressor) needs to “breathe” to release heat; blocked airflow causes overheating and inefficient cooling.

How:

• Remove dead leaves, stray plastic bags, or debris stuck behind the unit.
• Trim any potted plants or shrubs to keep them at least 1 meter away.
• Ensure no objects are blocking the fan output.
• Check that the unit is still level and hasn’t sunk into the soil.

Insider Tip: We often find geckos (cicak) hiding in outdoor units for warmth, which can short-circuit the PCB board. Installing a simple wire mesh or “lizard guard” around the casing gaps can save you a costly board replacement.

✅ Inspect for “Aircon Jelly” and Leaks (Weekly Visual Check)

Why: In Malaysia’s humidity, dust and bacteria mix to form a slime known as “Aircon Jelly” (biofilm) that clogs drain pipes. catching leaks early prevents water damage to your walls and flooring.

How:

• Look under the indoor unit for water trails.
• Check the wall behind the unit for peeling paint or damp spots.
• Listen for any dripping sounds when the unit is running.

If you see water: Clean the filter first, as a clogged filter can cause the coil to freeze and drip. If that doesn’t fix it, the drain pipe is likely blocked with jelly and needs professional vacuuming.

✅ Run the AC Regularly (If Not Used Daily)

Why: Idle units can develop dried-out seals and refrigerant leaks.

How:

• Run the AC for at least 15 minutes weekly.
• This keeps the refrigerant oil circulating to lubricate the compressor.
• Prevents insects from building nests inside the idle blower.

Professional Maintenance Schedule

Some maintenance requires professional tools, chemical solutions, and technical expertise. We advise scheduling these services to deep clean components you can’t reach.

Standard Servicing (Every 3-4 Months)

What’s included:

• Filter cleaning and disinfection.
• Blower (fan) brushing and vacuuming.
• Drainage pipe flushing to remove early slime buildup.
• Visual inspection of wiring and insulation.
• Basic coil cleaning with water pressure.

Cost: RM80 - RM150 per unit (depending on HP and type).

Benefit: This prevents the “Aircon Jelly” from hardening and keeps airflow strong.

Chemical Wash (Every 6-12 Months)

What’s included:

• Everything in standard servicing.
• Chemical cleaning of evaporator coils to remove deep-set grime.
• Chemical cleaning of the blower wheel.
• Thorough drainage system clearing.
• Gas pressure check.
• FREE gas top-up (at AC Service Pro, subject to terms).

Cost: RM120 - RM250 per unit.

Benefit: This deep clean restores the unit’s cooling performance to near-factory condition and eliminates mold spores that cause bad smells.

Note on “Overhaul”: A chemical wash is done with the unit on the wall using a catch bag. An “Overhaul” involves dismantling the unit completely to clean every individual part; this is more expensive (RM250+) and only needed for severely neglected units.

Gas Check and Top-Up (As Needed)

Signs you need it:

• AC is blowing room-temperature air.
• Ice is forming on the copper pipes or coils.
• It takes much longer than usual to cool the room.

The Reality: Your AC is a closed loop system and does not “consume” gas like a car uses petrol. If you need frequent top-ups, you have a leak that must be repaired, or you are just wasting money refilling a leaking bucket.

Maintenance Frequency Summary

Task	Frequency	Who
Filter cleaning	Every 2-4 weeks	You
Unit exterior wipe	Monthly	You
Outdoor unit clearance	Monthly	You
Visual leak check	Weekly	You
Standard servicing	Every 3-4 months	Professional
Chemical wash	Every 6-12 months	Professional
Gas check	Annually or when needed	Professional

Signs Your AC Needs Service NOW

Don’t wait for your scheduled appointment if you notice these urgent warning signs. We recommend calling a technician immediately to prevent permanent damage.

• 🚨 Water dripping inside: This usually means a blocked drain tray or frozen coil.
• 🚨 AC not cooling despite clean filter: This indicates a gas leak or compressor issue.
• 🚨 Unusual noises: Grinding or rattling sounds often point to a failing motor bearing.
• 🚨 Burning or fishy smells: A burning smell is an electrical emergency; a fishy smell is likely overheating plastic or wiring.
• 🚨 Ice on the unit: This is a sign of low gas or zero airflow.
• 🚨 AC frequently turning on/off: This “short cycling” strains the compressor and spikes your energy usage.

Maintenance Cost vs Repair Cost

Prevention is cheaper than cure:

Maintenance	Annual Cost
DIY tasks	Free
3x Standard service	~RM240 - RM450
1x Chemical wash	~RM120 - RM250
Total	~RM360 - RM700

Common Repairs	Cost
Capacitor replacement	RM150 - RM250
Fan motor repair	RM250 - RM500
Gas leak fix + top-up	RM300 - RM600
Compressor replacement	RM1,200 - RM2,000+
PCB Board (Lizard damage)	RM400 - RM800

The math is clear: Regular maintenance costs significantly less than a single major repair like a compressor failure or PCB replacement.

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance

1. Lower Electricity Bills

Clean AC units transfer heat more efficiently. We estimate you can save 10-25% on cooling costs, which is significant given the new TNB tariff structure where high usage is charged at 37.03 sen/kWh.

2. Longer Lifespan

Well-maintained ACs in Malaysia can last 15+ years. Neglected units often fail within 8-10 years due to the strain of operating in our tropical heat.

3. Better Air Quality

Clean coils and filters mean cleaner air for your family. A dirty unit recirculates dust, mold spores, and allergens throughout your home.

4. Fewer Breakdowns

Regular checks catch small problems, like a weak capacitor, before they cause the entire system to shut down.

5. Consistent Comfort

Your AC maintains its cooling capacity year after year. You won’t have to keep lowering the temperature setting just to feel the same level of cool.

Create Your Maintenance Schedule

Monthly:

• Week 1: Clean filters (Set a reminder on your phone).
• Week 2: Visual leak check for water stains.
• Week 3: Wipe exterior, check outdoor unit for debris.
• Week 4: Test all remote functions and airflow.

Quarterly:

• Book standard servicing.

Bi-annually:

• Book chemical wash (Ideally before the hot season starts in March/April).

AC Service Pro Maintenance Plans

We offer maintenance packages to make keeping your home cool effortless. Our team handles the scheduling so you never miss a service date.

Benefits:

• Scheduled reminders via WhatsApp.
• Priority booking during heatwaves.
• Discounted rates on parts and labor.
• Consistent quality from trusted technicians.

Contact us to discuss a maintenance plan for your home or business.

Start Today

Don’t wait for your AC to break down in the middle of a scorching afternoon. The best time to start a maintenance routine is right now.

Quick wins to start:

1. Clean your filters today; it only takes 10 minutes.
2. Clear any clutter around your outdoor unit to improve airflow.
3. Schedule your next professional service if it has been more than 6 months.

Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.